Breaking: 3 Net’s Notable All-Star Trades that were Dealt Before Trade Deadlines…

Breaking: 3 Net’s Notable All-Star Trades that were Dealt Before Trade Deadlines…

As the 2024 NBA trade deadline approaches on February 8th at 3 p.m. ET, speculations and rumors surround potential player movements. While trade talks often dominate headlines, it’s intriguing to examine instances where All-Stars were actually traded before or during the All-Star break. The Elias Sports Bureau provides insights into recent examples of such significant transactions.

Kevin Durant: Nets → Suns (2022-23)

In a major trade on February 9, 2023, the Brooklyn Nets sent Kevin Durant and T.J. Warren to the Phoenix Suns. The Suns acquired Durant, a two-time champion, two-time NBA Finals MVP, former NBA MVP, and 14-time All-Star, in exchange for Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, four unprotected future first-round picks, and a first-round pick swap. Dissatisfied in Brooklyn, Durant had made two trade requests within eight months. Despite the blockbuster move, the Suns faced an early exit in the Western Conference semifinals against the Denver Nuggets in Durant’s first postseason with the team. Currently, Durant maintains an impressive performance, averaging 28.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game.

Kyrie Irving: Nets → Mavericks (2022-23)

As the Brooklyn Nets geared up for a rebuild after trading James Harden, both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant found themselves traded. On February 6, 2023, Irving and Markieff Morris were sent to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a first-round pick, and two second-round picks. Despite being selected as All-Star starters with the Nets, Irving and Durant played for new teams in the 2023 All-Star Game. Irving finished the 2022-23 season with the Mavericks, posting impressive stats of 27 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, and 1.3 steals. He subsequently signed a three-year contract, committing to stay with Dallas.

James Harden: Nets → 76ers (2021-22)

On February 10, 2022, the Brooklyn Nets traded James Harden and Paul Millsap to the Philadelphia 76ers for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and two first-round picks. The trade fulfilled the desires of both teams’ disgruntled stars, with Harden seeking a move from Brooklyn and Simmons requesting a trade from Philly. Harden’s tenure with the Sixers saw him contribute significantly, averaging 21 points, 10.5 assists, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in the 2021-22 season. However, after just 102 games (including playoffs), Harden requested another trade, leading to a subsequent blockbuster deal sending him to the Los Angeles Clippers earlier in the current season.

Nikola Vucevic: Magic → Bulls (2020-21)

In a move signaling a rebuild, the Orlando Magic traded Nikola Vucevic and Al-Farouq Aminu to the Chicago Bulls on March 25, 2021. The Bulls acquired Vucevic, who had participated in his second NBA All-Star Game a few weeks before the trade, in exchange for Wendell Carter Jr., Otto Porter Jr., and two first-round picks. Vucevic made an immediate impact, finishing the 2020-21 season with averages of 21.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Currently, he continues to contribute to the Bulls, maintaining averages of 17.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game this season.

DeMarcus Cousins: Kings → Pelicans (2016-17)

On February 19, 2017, during the 2017 NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans, the Sacramento Kings traded DeMarcus Cousins and Omri Casspi to the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans acquired Cousins, who was representing the West All-Stars, in exchange for Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway, a first-round pick, and a second-round pick. Cousins delivered outstanding performances in New Orleans, averaging 24.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.1 blocks to conclude the 2016-17 season. Despite an impressive follow-up year, his season was cut short after 48 games due to a torn Achilles tendon.

Deron Williams: Jazz → Nets (2010-11)

In a trade on February 23, 2011, the Utah Jazz traded Deron Williams to the New Jersey Nets in exchange for Derrick Favors, Devin Harris, two first-round draft picks, and cash considerations. The Nets, having lost out on the Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes, shifted their focus to Williams, a two-time All-Star at the time. Williams remained with the Nets for four more seasons, averaging 16.7 points, 7.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals, earning a third All-Star nod during his tenure.

Carmelo Anthony: Nuggets → Knicks (2010-11)

On February 21, 2011, the Denver Nuggets traded Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Shelden Williams, Anthony Carter, and Renaldo Balkman to the New York Knicks. In return, the Nuggets received Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Timofey Mozgov, and a first-round pick. Facilitated by the Minnesota Timberwolves, who took on Anthony Randolph and Eddy Curry, the trade concluded an offseason where Anthony refused to sign a contract extension with the Nuggets. Anthony remained with the Knicks for six seasons, earning All-Star selections each year.

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